Local News
Inflation Drops To 0.4%
The inflation rate for October 2025, which measures the percentage change in the All Items Index for the month of October 2025 over October 2024, has declined to 0.4%. This was down from 1.0% in September, according to the Central Statistical Office (CSO).
Saddam Pleased With Unicomer Investment
Barataria San Juan MP Saddam Hosein has hailed the construction of the new Courts Megastore and plans for the new Mega Plaza as a positive development for his constituency.
Courts Planning ‘Mega Plaza’ As It Opens New Megastore
Unicomer, the parent company of Courts, has confidence in the Trinidad and Tobago market despite the recent departure of one of its longest-standing competitors, Standard Distributors.
PM Bans Carnival Fetes At Brian Lara Cricket Academy
Several Carnival fete promoters are already searching for new venues to host their Carnival 2026 events after the Prime Minister directed that all fetes be stopped from taking place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA).
Risk-Taking A Must For Progress
American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago (Amcham T&T) chief executive officer Nirad Tewarie has urged businesses to see opportunity where others see risks.
TTMB Supports Estate Police
The Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank (TTMB) and the Estate Police Association (EPA) of Trinidad and Tobago have signed a strategic partnership to provide members of the association with enhanced access to mortgage financing, project development support, and investment opportunities.
CAL Receives T&T Chamber Award
Majority state-owned national carrier Caribbean Airlines Ltd (CAL), has been named the 2025 Internationally Known… T&T Owned Company of the Year. The award, sponsored by the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, was announced on Tuesday during the T&T Chamber’s “Champions of Business: True Stories” series.
TTMA Takes Trade Mission To Chile
In a move to deepen commercial ties and unlock new export opportunities, the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has launched a trade mission to Chile from November 10 to 14.
Moonilal Welcomes Report Of US$20B In Possible ExxonMobil Investments
Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has welcomed an analysis published by Rystad Energy which stated that ExxonMobil’s latest offshore campaign in Trinidad and Tobago could yield over US$20 billion in new investment opportunities.
Regional News
Hurricane Melissa Damage: US$8.8B
The World Bank, in coordination with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), estimates that the physical damage to Jamaica caused by Hurricane Melissa when it slammed into the country on October 28 totals US$8.8 billion.
B’Dos Businesses Shielded From New Tax
Barbados is not planning to impose new taxes or additional compliance burdens on businesses following the repeal of a key company law, the minister for business has told the business community, seeking to allay confusion over the impact of global tax reforms.
AS Bryden Facing A “Mini-Melissa” In T&T Customs Duties
In June 2022, Jamaica’s publicly listed manufacturing and distribution giant, Seprod, acquired 60 per cent of T&T’s privately held distribution company, AS Bryden & Sons Holdings (ASBH), for about US$45 million.
Hurricane Melissa Deals $40B Blow To Mining Sector
The mining sector, a critical earner of foreign exchange, was not spared the fury of Hurricane Melissa, sustaining preliminary estimated losses of approximately $40.25 billion, Agriculture and Mining Minister Floyd Green revealed on Tuesday.
Guyana, Cerebras Forge Historic AI Partnership
In a historic move set to redefine the digital landscape of South America and the Caribbean, the Government of Guyana has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with US-based Cerebras Systems to build and operate a state-of-the-art 100-megawatt artificial intelligence (AI) data centre at Wales, West Bank Demerara.
Barbados Strengthening International Ties To Boost Investment
Barbados is broadening its diplomatic and economic network to attract global investment, officials said on Wednesday, as the island promotes a greener, more diversified basis for growth.
St Lucians Vote On Dec 1st
St Lucians will go to the polls on December 1 to elect a new government, 11 months before the general election is constitutionally due in November 2026.
CAF Commits US$40B To Green, Inclusive Development
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) says it will invest US$40 billion over the next five years to finance sustainable growth and strengthen climate action.
U.S. Pledges Additional US$10M
The United States (US) has pledged an additional US$10 million to support Jamaica’s recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
International News
Walmart Raises Profit Expectations As More Americans Hunt Deals In Sluggish Economy
Walmart delivered another standout quarter, posting strong sales and profits that blew past Wall Street expectations as it wins over more cash-strapped Americans who have grown increasing anxious about the economy.
Global Tech Shares Surge As Nvidia’s AI Boom Powers Market Rally
Global technology shares rallied on Thursday after Nvidia’s blow-out quarterly results signalled that demand for artificial intelligence hardware remains strong even as analysts caution the boom may be outpacing fundamentals.
Oil Nudges Higher Ahead of Looming Russia Sanctions Deadline
Oil edged up as investors weighed the fallout from US sanctions on Russia’s Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC that are set to take effect on Friday, while the European Union explores more measures to squeeze Moscow.
Stock Futures Rally As Nvidia’s Strong Forecast Reignites The AI Trade
Stock futures rose Thursday as investors digested Nvidia’s latest quarterly beat. The report appeared to help restore confidence in major technology stocks, providing a boost to the broader market.
ACS, BlackRock To Seal $27 Billion Data Centre Deal
Spain’s ACS is close to striking a 23 billion euro ($26.8 billion) partnership with BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners to develop data centres, newspaper Expansion reported on Thursday, citing unnamed market sources.
Disney Boosts Dividend And Buyback, Parks And Streaming Drive Profit Beat
Walt Disney said on Thursday it would boost its dividend by 50% and double its share buyback plan for fiscal 2026, as the media giant’s streaming and parks businesses powered a quarterly earnings beat.
Cisco Shares Surge After AI-Fueled Outlook Exceeds Estimates
Cisco Systems Inc. shares gained in premarket trading on Thursday after the network-equipment giant boosted its 2026 forecast, showing progress in its effort to capture more artificial intelligence spending.
Stocks Waver As US Reopens To Clouded Rate Outlook
US stock futures dipped as traders grappled with the outlook for interest rates after the longest government shutdown in history came to an end.
Paramount Ups Post-Merger Savings Goal to $3B
Paramount Skydance Corp., reporting financial results for the first time since a new investor group took over the media company in August, raised its target for job cuts and cost-saving measures.
Reports
Economic Outlook – OCT2025
Global GDP growth has improved relative to earlier forecasts, reflecting the gradual easing of trade tensions and resilience.
Earnings Update – OCT2025
During October, Guardian Holdings Limited boasted of a 114% lift in after tax profit, owing to the gain on sale of its stake in Thoma Exploitatie B.V. Excluding this, however, underlying profit grew by 7%, or 43 million thanks to a 34% rise in insurance service results.
US Rate Watch OCT 2025
On October 29, 2025, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate to 3.75% – 4.00 % from 4.00% – 4.25%. This decision was supported by a moderation in economic activity, a softer labor market, and elevated inflation.
Economic Outlook – September 30th 2025
Earnings Update – September 30th, 2025
Pelagic Series Factsheets – September 30th, 2025
Offshore Factsheets – September 30th 2025
July 2025 Earnings News
https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.contentres.com/media/CustomEmailImage/variantSize/c1a60220-c202-4bf4-96ba-b1fb188daa79.jpg
In July, First Citizens Group Financial Holdings (FCGFH) posted a year-on-year gain, with its after-tax profit rising 5.1% to TT$719.6 million, mainly due to growth in loans to customers and investment securities.
Local Equity Market Overview – Q2 2025
Domestically, real GDP grew 4.7% in Q3 2024, supported by advances in both the energy and non-energy sector. However, recent indicators monitored by the central bank point to a deceleration in non-energy sector growth and weakness in an otherwise improving energy sector, that could be attributed to a reduction in methanol and natural gas output. Furthermore, inflation eased slightly to 1.4% in May from 1.5% in April, and private sector credit and consumer lending have risen. Additionally, unemployment fell to 4.9% in Q1 2025 from 5.5% in the fourth quarter last year.